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After heavy rains, a tree fell onto a car in northwest Charlotte

Neighbors say the tree is located on a piece of property that's been vacant for a couple of years.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Just after 2:30 p.m. on Friday, a tree toppled over across Beatties Ford Rd in northwest Charlotte, landing on top of a car.

According to the Charlotte Fire Department, it took 18 firefighters 20 minutes to free the person from the car. Medic says that person was then transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A second car, with two other passengers, was also caught in the debris. Medic says those passengers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident closed Beatties Road between Saint John St and LaSalle Street. Afternoon busses leaving Northwest School of the Arts just down the road appeared not to be impacted.

Residents in the area have been without power since the tree fell. PIKE crews were there repairing the power lines, which were pulled down by the tree, but there is no word on when power will be restored.

Neighbors WCNC spoke with say the tree is located on a piece of property that’s been vacant for a couple of years. They say the tree has leaned toward the road for a long time, but neither the property owner nor the city have taken steps to remove it.

Neighbors also pointed out another large tree that also sits on the property, which they say is dead. The tree is visibly bare. They fear that one could be next. With several schools in the area, they fear next time a tree could fall on a bus.

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